SRC-JBJ H.B. 3790 76(R)   BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research Center   H.B. 3790
76R0758 EBy: McClendon (Madla)
Intergovernmental Relations
4/26/1999
Engrossed


DIGEST 

Currently, public housing authorities recruit public housing tenants for
entry-level jobs with the authority to conduct lease-purchases.  The jobs
follow the policy of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
that requires housing authorities to make an effort to provide job
opportunities to tenants.  However, the attorney general recently released
an opinion (JC-0018 (1999)) that rendered this practice unlawful.
Accordingly, the opinion states that Chapter 392, Local Government Code
(Housing Authorities Law), "prohibits an employee of the housing authority
from leasing or purchasing a home included in a housing project
administered by a related housing corporation."  H.B. 3790 would permit a
housing authority employee to be eligible for housing programs, on the same
basis as other qualified members of the general public. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, H.B. 3790 permits an employee of a public housing authority to
participate in certain contracts or agreements for housing assistance. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state
officer, institution, or agency. 

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Amends Section 392.043, Local Government Code, by adding
Subsections (f) and (g), to authorize an employee of a housing authority to
be a party to certain housing contracts to the same extent as a member of
the public if the employee qualifies for assistance under the program.
Defines "Section 8 housing assistance." 

SECTION 2.Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3.Emergency clause.
  Effective date: upon passage.